Poverty and deprivation are among the causes of mental health problems in Scottish children

Children from poorer backgrounds, children
in care, asylum-seeker children and those who have witnessed domestic
violence, are all at a higher risk of developing mental health problems,
according to a new BMA report out 20 June 2006.

The report, Child and Adolescent Mental Health ? A Guide for
Healthcare Professionals, finds that mental health disorders in children
are on the increase and that poverty and deprivation are major risk
factors.

One in 10 children between the ages of one and 15 has a mental health
disorder ? in real terms, this suggests that around 1.1 million
children under the age of 18 would benefit from specialist services.
These problems have a huge impact on families and carers, as well as
on the individual.

Dr Vivienne Nathanson, Head of BMA Ethics and Science, said today:

" Children from deprived backgrounds have a poorer start
in life on many levels, but without good mental health they may not
have a
chance to develop emotionally and reach their full potential in life.
For example, 45% of children in the care of local authorities
suffer from mental health problems. These children may have come from
socially and economically deprived backgrounds, and are more likely
to under-perform at school. There are a number of government policies
currently being rolled out that are aimed at tackling these problems.
It is essential that they deliver what they promise."

She added:

" Deprivation often goes hand in hand with poor diet and
unhealthy living. Healthcare professionals are beginning to recognise
just how
important diet and physical exercise are in preventing mental health
problems and it is vital that more research is carried out in this
area. For example, there is some evidence to suggest that supplementation
with omega 3 fatty acids can lead to improved symptoms in attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sufferers."

A key barrier to young people using mental health services is that
they are not tailored to meet their needs, says the report. For example,
young people are more likely to access services that are open after
school and not too far from where they live. The BMA says services
need to take account of language and cultural differences.

Dr Andrew Thomson, a GP trainee in Scotland and a member of the BMA's
Board of Science, added:

" In Scotland we have led the way in developing and introducing
new mental health legislation that focuses on the patient. However,
while policy has improved, the barriers to young people using mental
health services still exist and must be tackled. _ Scotland has some of the most poverty-stricken
communities in the UK and it is vital that extra effort and resources
is invested
to target young people in these communities as part of the Executive's
drive to improve the health of Scots living in deprivation."

According to the report, rates of mental health problems tend to be
higher among children from black and minority ethnic groups, as they
are more likely to experience risk factors such as deprivation, discrimination
and poor educational and employment opportunities; yet they often to
do not receive appropriate treatment.

There is a worrying shortage of mental healthcare professionals, including
those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and this needs urgent
attention, states the BMA report.

Key recommendations from the report include:

The reforms outlined in the Child Poverty Review must be implemented
to end child deprivation and therefore reduce risk factors for mental
health problems.

Children and young people need innovative and flexible health
services that suit their ages and lifestyles.

Current strategies for addressing child and adolescent mental
health problems must be fully implemented.

The media has a role to play in tackling the stigma of mental
illness ? a
study of British tabloid newspapers found that 40% of daily
articles about mental health used derogatory terms such 'nutter' or 'loony'.

The government must address the current shortage of mental healthcare
professionals.

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